** On the health front, Showalter said he believes outfielder Nolan Reimold (neck surgery), Brian Matusz (hernia surgery) and Tsuyoshi Wada (Tommy John surgery) are all recuperating well. Showalter said he believes Wada, who had surgery May 11, could be available before most originally expected, though he wouldn’t predict a date. It usually takes a year or more to recover from the surgery.

** Showalter talked to free agent left fielder Nate McLouth by phone today and he said he expects the Orioles to meet with McLouth’s representatives today in Nashville. He said the club and McLouth maintain interest in a reunion.

** Showalter said he would also like Mark Reynolds back in a mutually agreeable deal, but overall he likes his current team and will be fine if no major transactions are made.

** Showalter has talked to Chris Davis and told him he would get an opportunity to compete for the first base job.

** Showalter expects reliever Pedro Strop to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Reliever Jim Johnson was asked to compete for the U.S. team, but Showalter said Johnson likely will refrain. Johnson was bothered by back issues last spring. Wei-Yin Chen is not expected to pitch for Taiwan.

** Showalter expects to meet with Dan Duquette in Baltimore perhaps Friday before making a final decision on his open third base coach. He said his list has been winnowed to a couple candidates.

** He said he has talked to Omar Quintanilla, who was not tendered a contract, and he could return to the club on a minor league deal. Quintanilla also could play in the WBC for Mexico.

As part of their continuing search to add depth and improve their roster, the Orioles have had multiple, face-to-face meetings with the representatives for pitcher Kevin Correia and outfielder Nate Schierholtz, according to an industry source.

The market was slow to open up, but baseball's hot stove season is now in full swing. See which notable players have changed teams this offseason, either in free agency or via trade. Note: Some contract details taken from various reports.

— The Orioles expect a sizable increase to their payroll for next season because of significant raises due to their nine arbitration-eligible players, but don't expect the Orioles to join the big spenders of the American League East.